tac allocation process for india version 5.0 29 april 2019tac allocation process for india page 3 of...

GSM Association Non-confidential

Official Document TS.16 - TAC Allocation Process for India

V5.0 of 14

TAC Allocation Process for India

Version 5.0

29 April 2019

This is a Non-binding Permanent Reference Document of the GSMA

Security Classification: Non-confidential

Access to and distribution of this document is restricted to the persons permitted by the security classification. This document is confidential to the

Association and is subject to copyright protection. This document is to be used only for the purposes for which it has been supplied and

information contained in it must not be disclosed or in any other way made available, in whole or in part, to persons other than those permitted

under the security classification without the prior written approval of the Association.

Copyright Notice

Copyright © 2019 GSM Association

Disclaimer

The GSM Association (“Association”) makes no representation, warranty or undertaking (express or implied) with respect to and does not accept

any responsibility for, and hereby disclaims liability for the accuracy or completeness or timeliness of the information contained in this document.

The information contained in this document may be subject to change without prior notice.

Antitrust Notice

The information contain herein is in full compliance with the GSM Association’s antitrust compliance policy.

GSMA Official Document TS.16 Non-confidential


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 History of TAC Allocation 3

2 Introduction 3

2.1 Definition of Acronyms 3

3 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) 4

4 Reference Documents 4

5 TAC (IMEI) Usage Rules 5

6 GSMA Responsibilities 8

7 TAC Details Challenge Process 8

8 Reporting Body Responsibilities 8

9 Type Allocation Holder Responsibilities (Brand Owner / Manufacturer) 9

10 TAC Allocation 10

10.1 Manufacturer Registration Requirements 10

10.2 Documents Required for Registration 10

10.3 Verification Process 11

10.3.1 Online Verification 11

11 TAC/IMEI Allocation Process 12

11.1 TAC Allocation Documentation 12

11.2 TAC Application Form 12

11.3 GSMA TAC Allocation Terms and Conditions 12

12 Reporting Body for India 12

13 References 13



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1 History of TAC Allocation

The IMEI number allocations were originally administered and funded by a number of

national authorities as part of the type approval of mobile devices. In 1999, the type approval

regime was abolished as a European regulatory obligation and this required industry to

establish an alternative device certification program and a means to allocate identifiers to

mobile devices. In April 2000 the GSMA was asked by industry stakeholders to assume

responsibility for allocating IMEI number ranges, and Type Allocation Codes, to mobile

device manufacturers.

The GSMA was formally appointed by the industry as the Global Decimal Administrator

(GDA) in 2004 with responsibility for:

Appointing regional bodies to allocate TAC/IMEI ranges

Maintaining lists of allocated TACs/IMEIs

Distributing lists of allocated ranges via IMEI Database

Provide expertise and advice on allocations

The GSMA is the only appointed allocation authority for both 3GPP and 3GPP/3GPP2

compliant devices. The TIA can only allocate TAC for 3GPP/3GPP2 compliant devices only.

2 Introduction

This document outlines the principles applicable to the allocation of International Mobile

Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers within India and should be read in association with TS.06

IMEI Allocation and Approval Process. The following areas which differ from TS.06 are

covered:

Manufacturer registration requirements

Allocation process for TAC/IMEI

2.1 Definition of Acronyms

Acronyms Description

3G 3rd Generation Networks

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

3GPP2 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2

CEIR Central Equipment Identity Register

EIR Equipment Identity Register

GHA Global Hexadecimal Administrator

IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity

LTE Long-term Evolution, also known as 4G

M2M Machine to Machine

ME Mobile Equipment

MEID Mobile Equipment Identifier

NFC Near Field Communication

OS Operating System



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Acronyms Description

PC Personal Computer

RAT Radio Access Technology

SMS Short Message Service

TAC Type Allocation Code

TIA Telecommunications Industry Association

UE User Equipment

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

(U)SIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

3 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)

The International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI) uniquely identifies an individual

mobile device. The IMEI is unique to every ME and thereby provides a means for controlling

access to GSM networks based on the ME model or individual units.

The “IMEI” consists of a number of fields totalling 15 digits. All digits have the range of 0 to 9

coded as binary coded decimal. Values outside this range are not permitted.

Some of the fields in the IMEI are under the control of the “Reporting Body”. The remaining

serial number field is under the control of the Type Allocation Holder.

For the IMEI format prior to 01/01/03 please refer to TS.06 Annex D and the IMEI format

valid from 01/01/03 please refer to TS.06 section 5

4 Reference Documents

Document Number Title

3GPP2

SC.R4001-0

Global Wireless Equipment Numbering Administration Procedures document

regarding Multi RAT (Radio Access Technology)

3GPP2

SC.R4002-0

GHA Global Hexadecimal Administrator Assignment Guidelines and Procedures

3GPP TS 02.07 Mobile Station (MS) Features

3GPP TS 02.09 Security aspects

3GPP TS 02.16 International Mobile Station Equipment Identities (IMEI)

3GPP TS 02.30 Man-machine Interface (MMI) of the Mobile Station (MS)

3GPP TS 03.03 Numbering, Addressing and Identification

3GPP TS 04.08 Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification

3GPP TS 22.016 International Mobile station Equipment Identities (IMEI)

3GPP TS 23.003 Numbering, addressing and identification

CTIA PTCRB Overview of PTCRB Mobile/User Type Certification (includes IMEI control



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Document Number Title

NAPRD03 sections)

ISO/IEC 7812 Identification of issuers

RFC2119 http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2119.txt

TS.06 GSMA PRD IMEI Allocation and Approval Process

TS.30 GSMA PRD TAC/IMEI Database application forms

TS.37 GSMA PRD Requirements for Multi SIM Devices

SGP.21 GSMA PRD Remote SIM Provisioning Architecture

SGP.22 GSMA PRD Remote SIM Provisioning Technical Specification

5 TAC (IMEI) Usage Rules

The following requirements must be adhered to:

a) Each ME Model must have its own TAC. One ME Model will have one or more TAC

b) Modular Equipment may use an interchangeable transceiver module to allow it to

operate in alternative GSM bands. Such equipment is to treat each transceiver

module as a separate ME. This means that each transceiver equipment module

would be subject to Type Allocation and be allocated a separate IMEI/TAC. The IMEI

shall not be duplicated in separate transceiver equipment.

c) Requirements for a device containing multiple transceivers:

If a device contains two or more transceivers, each transceiver must be

separately identified on networks.

If two or more transceivers within the same device are identical (e.g. same

chipset, same frequency bands, same control software), then each

transceiver can use the same TAC, but different IMEI.

If the transceivers are different (e.g. different chipset, different frequency

bands, different control software), then the transceivers must have different

TACs.

d) A single transceiver may be connected to one or several UICCs/eUICCs. If only one

(U)SIM on one of the connected UICCs/eUICCs can be used to connect to the

network at any time then only one IMEI is required. If more than one (U)SIM can be

connected at the same time to a transceiver, for example in Stand-by Mode, the

transceiver shall have multiple, unique IMEIs so that all (U)SIMs, that are connected

at the same time, will use a separate, unique IMEI.

e) For devices with:

Multiple SIMs which are all Active at the same time (have simultaneous

connections to the network) each SIM must use a separate, unique IMEI.

Multiple SIMs where some SIM(s) are in Standby Mode (only listening on the

network) each SIM must use a separate, unique IMEI



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Multiple SIMs which are all Passive (only one can connect to the network at

any time and the connection is switched between the SIM) only one IMEI is

required to be allocated to the transceiver.

f) If the transceivers are different (e.g. different chipset, different frequency bands,

different control software), then the transceivers must have a different TAC, and the

SIM(s) associated with that transceiver would have an IMEI from the same TAC.

Each transceiver shall have enough unique IMEIs so that all (U)SIMs that are

connected at the same time can use separate, unique IMEIs

g) All TAC (IMEI) numbers allocated by the Reporting Bodies are stored in the GSMA

IMEI Database. The database is used to populate the White List which is used by

network operators. For confidentiality reasons, access to the IMEI Database is

restricted. A type allocation holder registered in the IMEI Database can request a list

of those TAC (IMEI) numbers allocated to them. Network operators can access all of

the IMEI data for the purposes of monitoring IMEI numbers on their networks.

h) Before applying for a TAC (IMEI) number, the applicant company must first be

registered with a reporting body. Evidence must be provided with the application to

ensure:

That the applicant (i.e. Brand Owner) is a legitimate organization and is

selling a product that is designed to connect to and function on the telecoms

network,

For modem manufacturers, the manufacturer must request the TAC as these

modems may go into many different devices. In all other cases it should be

the Brand Owner who requests the TAC.

i) The following Equipment Types are listed on the TAC application form:-

Mobile / Feature Phone - A device supporting basic personal communication

services, e.g. voice call and SMS. (Not strictly limited to basic services, but

not a device that would fall within the definition of a Smartphone).

Smartphone - A device with a large display, predominantly with touch screen

technology, fast processor and memory in the GB range. A fully-featured OS /

platform that provides voice and data communications capabilities, enables

personalisation of the device by the user and in addition supports installation

and maintenance of mobile applications downloadable from an application

store.

Tablet - A device with a display of minimum 5 inches in size, slate-type form

factor, touch screen, providing data communications and/or voice capabilities,

fully-featured OS providing connection to an application store through which

the user can personalise the device’s functionality and services.

Dongle - A device which can be inserted in a laptop or other computer to

provide cellular network connectivity.



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Modem - A device designed for embedding in other equipment to provide

cellular connection functionality.

WLAN Router - A device that performs advanced routing functionalities and

uses the cellular network as Wide Area Network interface.

IoT Device - A device, whose main function is to allow objects to be

accessed, sensed and/or controlled remotely across existing mobile network

infrastructures.

Wearable - A body worn mobile device that connects to the 3GPP cellular

network directly with its own eUICC or UICC.

In addition it may have none, some or all of the following:

A touch screen display

Other forms of interaction such as hard or soft buttons

Voice controls

Sensors built in or connected to the device

An OS, which provides voice and/or data communications capabilities on

the 3GPP mobile network

Other technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Enables personalization of the device by the user

Supports installation and maintenance of applications, e.g. downloadable

content from an application store.

Examples of “Wearable” devices:

Smartwatch

Heart Monitor

Blood Pressure Monitor

Blood Pulse monitor

Animal Monitoring

Body (Arm, Leg, Chest) Sports Monitor

j) Mobile Test Platform: (Used for Test TAC Only) - A device that provides cellular

connectivity for hardware and software development testing.

k) If the Equipment Type is listed on the TAC form as “Modem”, “Dongle” or “WLAN

Router” then the device operating system, will be automatically checked as “None”.

l) Each application is made on a per model basis. The brand name, model name and

marketing name need to be provided to identify the model.

m) The number of TAC numbers requested per application should be enough to cover a

three month production run. One TAC number equates to 1 million IMEI numbers.

n) Any amendment to an existing TAC record must be made via the GSMA IMEI

Database using the “Edit TAC” function.

o) Some manufacturers produce special test mobile equipment. This type of equipment

can harm network integrity if used in the wrong manner. Consequently, network

operators need to be able to identify such equipment. The following guidelines apply.



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Where the equipment is based on an existing ME:

A separate TAC code should be assigned to the Test ME to distinguish it from

the Type Accredited mobile equipment.

Alternatively, a Test IMEI could be allocated to this type of ME if it is supplied

to operators for test purposes only and not available commercially.

Each Test ME’s IMEI shall conform to the IMEI Integrity and Security

provisions in TS.06 Section 7.

p) Where GSM equipment is capable of operating in multiple modes the following

guidelines apply.

The Reporting Body shall inform the GSMA of the multimode capability of the

ME and indicate the capable modes.

Where the standards permit, the same IMEI shall be used for each mode of

operation. Where the standards do not permit the use of IMEI then an IMEI

shall be allocated specifically to the GSM part and any applicable identification

to the non-GSM part/s.

Where physically detachable modular techniques are utilised to provide the

transceiver capability, then each transceiver module shall be treated as a

separate ME. Therefore separate IMEI/TAC allocations are required if an IMEI

is applicable to each module.

q) Colour variants of the same model. If different models of the same device vary in the

colour of the exterior body only, then the same TAC can be used for all models. No

other cosmetic variants are allowed under this exception

6 GSMA Responsibilities

Within the context of this document, the GSMA shall have the following responsibilities.

Appoint Reporting Bodies

Coordinate the allocation of the Reporting Body Identifier.

Maintain a list of Type Allocated GSM Mobile Equipment and TAC allocations by

Reporting Bodies containing details of TACs, manufacturers, models and band/mode

capability for all TAC allocated by Reporting Bodies.

Ensure integrity of IMEI Database white, black and grey list information and update

white list with new TAC allocations according to the conditions of section 10.

Ensure integrity of IMEI Database processes.

Maintain a list of contacts for issuing test IMEIs.

Document and maintain the procedures to be followed by Reporting Bodies for

notification of allocated TAC.

Provide expertise and advice on Allocation and IMEI issues where appropriate.

7 TAC Details Challenge Process

See TS.06 TAC Allocation Process

8 Reporting Body Responsibilities

Within the context of this document the Reporting Bodies shall have the following

responsibilities with respect to TAC allocation:



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Ensure that the requirements for Type Allocation as outlined in section 6.0 are

satisfied.

Allocate TAC codes for mobile equipment within their jurisdiction as required.

Coordinate with other Reporting Bodies where the equipment requiring Type

Allocation is under the jurisdiction of more than one Reporting Body.

Reporting Bodies must allocate the TAC from within the GSMA IMEI Database

however if this is not possible then they must inform the GSMA of new TAC

allocations providing the following information:

TAC

Brand Name, Marketing Name and Model Name

Manufacturer

Frequency Bands supported by the devices

Designation Type

Allocation Date

Radio Interface

Operating System

Support for NFC (Y/N)

Support for Bluetooth (Y/N)

Support for WLAN (Y/N)

Any additional information to the Type Allocation status.

If this information is not already in the GSMA IMEI Database then it must be provided to the

GSMA as soon as possible after granting TAC to avoid delays in connecting the equipment

to networks using an Excel template supplied by the GSMA this can be obtained by

contacting [email protected]

9 Type Allocation Holder Responsibilities (Brand Owner /

Manufacturer)

Within the context of this document Type Allocation holders have the following

responsibilities:

Comply with the relevant Type Allocation requirements.

Complete all information requested in the GSMA IMEI Database concerning company

registration and TAC requests.

Ensure IMEIs are securely implemented and their integrity can be relied on.

Consider recommendations to increment SVN for new software in ME.

Apply to relevant bodies for Test IMEIs when required.

Gain permission from operators to use test ME where required.



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10 TAC Allocation

The process in India involves three stages for issuing TAC numbers to the Type Allocation holder.

10.1 Manufacturer Registration Requirements

Stage 1 - Registration and Verification

The Mobile Equipment (ME) brand owner and/or manufacturer will be required to complete

the necessary details in the IMEI Database Registration Form and submit the form to the

Reporting Body via the IMEI Database system, along with the required scanned copies of

documents (duly notarized) applicable to the status of the applicant company.

The brand owner shall submit the required documents via the online upload process

provided by the IMEI Database during the registration process. This shall also include the

scanned copies of the government issued documents (marked as GD) listed below (duly

notarized).

10.2 Documents Required for Registration

PART A:

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS

Basis - TYPE OF ORGANISTION/BUSINESS

PURPOSE Company Limited Liability

Partnership Partnership Firm Proprietorship

Knowing legal status of entity

Certificate of Incorporation;

Certificate of Commencement of Business ;

Snapshot of Master Data of the Company as per MCA21 Portal

Certificate of Incorporation as LLP;

Snapshot of Master Data of the LLP as per MCA21 Portal

Certificate of registration of firm, if registered firm OR certificate of registration under Shops and Establishment Act

Certificate of registration under Shops and Establishment Act

Constitution Document

Copy of MOA & AOA of the Company.

Partnership Deed certified copy

Partnership Deed certified copy

N.A.

Knowing the management

List of Directors with full address and contact details

Copy of PAN Card/Aadhar card/passport of Person authorized to sign Certified Bank Statement

Details of Partners with full address and contact details

Copy of PAN Card/Aadhar card/passport of Person authorized to sign

Details of Partners with full address and contact details


Detail of Sole Proprietor with full address and contact details




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Authority to deal with

GSMA

Certified True copy of Resolution passed by the board authorizing the person

Certified True copy of Resolution passed by the Partners authorizing the person or power of attorney duly notarised

Certified True copy of Resolution passed by the Partners authorizing the person or power of attorney duly notarised

Not Required if signed by Proprietor else POA ( power of attorney) duly notarised

Establishing Banking

credential

Certified Bank Statement for a period not older than 2 months Copy of a scanned cancelled cheque

Certified Bank Statement for a period not older than 2 months



Tax status of Entity – Income

tax

Copy of -PAN -TAN- if obtained




Tax status for trade

GST registration Certificate




Category of Entity -for

incentives if any

MSME Registration Certificate




For International

trade

Copy of Importer -exporter Code (IEC)




For ascertaining

brand

Brand Registration Certificate, or proof that the Brand Name is in the process of being registered.




For all types of businesses

For Quality standards ISO9001:2000 quality system Certification

10.3 Verification Process

10.3.1 Online Verification

The received documents will be checked against various government owned websites and

online resources to ensure the authenticity of the TAC applicant company and the

verification of the company principals.

Stage 2 - Taxation Requirements

The GSMA levies an administration charge for the allocation of TACs, as detailed in the

Terms & Conditions, for more details please refer to section 11.3 of GSMA PRD TS.16. The

Indian authorities require companies registered in India to pay tax on the charges collected,



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this tax must be added to the charges detailed in the Terms & Conditions. Tax required shall

be paid to the Indian Government and not provided to the GSMA.

11 TAC/IMEI Allocation Process

11.1 TAC Allocation Documentation

The TAC applicant is required by the GSMA to sign the GSMA TAC Allocation Terms and

Conditions and complete the Technical Specification form also referenced as the TAC

Application Form.

11.2 TAC Application Form

All fields must be completed on the TAC Application form of which shall be completed via the

IMEI Database Web Portal for each model the TAC applicant requires TAC.

11.3 GSMA TAC Allocation Terms and Conditions

TAC applicants are required to sign, stamp and submit the formal agreement (duly

notarized) and have it signed by a company Director and stamped with the company seal.

Once completed, a scanned copy shall be provided via email to the

[email protected]. Upon submission the GSMA will review and confirm that the

Terms and Conditions have been properly signed and stamped prior to allowing further

actions of TAC allocation.

Stage 3 – Payment

After submitting the necessary documentation and after it has been checked and verified by

the Reporting Body, the TAC applicant must pay the appropriate TAC Allocation Charges as

mandated by the GSMA TAC Allocation Terms and Conditions.

The TAC applicant shall select the number of TAC credits they wish to purchase via the IMEI

Database Web Portal. Following the submission the IMEI Database system will generate an

invoice which will be delivered to the main contact of the TAC applicant. Only after receipt of

payment of the invoice will the TAC applicant be able to commence issuing TAC.

12 Reporting Body for India

The GSMA reporting body for India is TUV SUD (BABT):- TUV SUD BABT Mr. John Talbot Tel. +44 1932 251264 Fax: +44 1932 251201 E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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13 References

The GSMA have developed and made available training materials to guide you through the

GSMA TAC allocation rules and GSMA IMEI Database processes. These training guidelines

can be accessed via the IMEI Database home page and further assistance can be obtained

by emailing [email protected].

https://imeidb.gsma.com/imei/tac-training




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Document Management

Document History

Version Date Brief Description of Change Approval

Authority

Editor /

Company

1.0 28th October

2010 New PRD (DG 16).

DAG#74 &

EMC #87

P. Gosden /

GSMA

1.1 2nd December

2010

Document number changed

from DG.16 to TS.16

Document owner changed

from DG to TSG

TS01

P. Gosden /

GSMA

2.0 March 2014

Brought into line with new

TAC request form & changes

to TS.06

TSG Paul Gosden /

GSMA

3.0 04 September

2018

Brought into line with

changes to TS.06 as per

TS.16 CR1003

TSG Paul Gosden /

GSMA

4.0 April 2019 MSAI removed as the

Reporting Body TSG

Tyler Smith

GSMA

Other Information

This document is intended for use by the members of GSMA. It is our intention to provide a quality product for your use. If you find any errors or omissions, please contact us with your comments. You may notify us at mailto:[email protected]. Your comments or suggestions are always welcome.

Type Description

Document Owner Terminal Steering Group (TSG)

Editor / Company Paul Gosden GSMA

GSMA IMEI Database

Contact information:-

IMEI Helpdesk [email protected]

Phone: +91-9966526555, +91-877-6456669

Database - http://imeidb.gsm.org/imei/login.jsp



http://imeidb.gsm.org/imei/login.jsp